Preconstruction Manager-Mechanical Construction

Kimmel Associates; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Professional development opportunities

Career advancement

Job summary

Kimmel Associates is seeking an experienced Preconstruction Manager in Huntsville, AL to lead design-build, design-assist, and negotiated mechanical projects from concept through final pricing.

The role requires strong knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, piping, and sheet metal, with a focus on early cost development, value engineering, and coordination with owners, engineers, and contractors.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial mechanical experience in preconstruction or related roles.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management preferred.
• Proven design-build, design-assist, and negotiated project delivery experience.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, equipment, materials, and construction methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction efforts on design-build, design-assist, and negotiated projects from concept through final pricing.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, and design-development budgets as designs evolve.
• Partner with owners, general contractors, architects, and engineers to develop cost-effective mechanical solutions.
• Lead value engineering and constructability reviews to align designs with project budgets.
• Review drawings for constructability, coordination issues, scope gaps, and project risk.
• Coordinate with engineering partners on mechanical system selections, load calculations, and design deliverables.
• Lead early equipment selection and pricing with manufacturers' representatives.
• Collaborate with estimating teams on detailed pricing and with BIM/CAD teams on coordination and prefabrication planning.
• Develop preconstruction schedules, logistics plans, and procurement strategies for long-lead equipment.
• Prepare and present proposals, budgets, qualifications, and clarifications to clients and project stakeholders.
• Lead turnover meetings and ensure a clear handoff of project scope, budget, assumptions, and key risks to Project Management.
• Develop and maintain relationships with owners, general contractors, engineers, and other industry partners.
• Support business development initiatives, project interviews, and client presentations alongside company leadership.
• Maintain historical cost data, project benchmarks, and preconstruction standards.
• Help identify opportunities to improve estimating, preconstruction, coordination, and project delivery processes.

Skills

Preconstruction management

Design-build expertise

Budget development

Client relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management

Tools

AutoBid Mechanical

QuoteSoft

Accubid

On-Screen Takeoff

Bluebeam

Revit

BIM platforms

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About the Company

Our client is a well-established and highly respected mechanical contractor with a long-standing reputation for delivering complex mechanical systems across commercial and industrial markets.

The company manages projects ranging from focused mechanical installations to large-scale, technically demanding construction. Its culture is built around quality craftsmanship, long-term client relationships, and employee development. With continued growth and a strong backlog of work, the organization is adding experienced professionals to its preconstruction team.

This is an opportunity to join an established contractor where experienced construction professionals can influence projects from the earliest stages, build strong client relationships, and play a meaningful role in the company's continued growth.

About the Position

Our client is seeking an experienced Preconstruction Manager to lead the company's involvement in design-build, design-assist, and negotiated mechanical projects from initial concept through final pricing and turnover to operations.

The Preconstruction Manager will serve as a key technical and client-facing resource, developing conceptual budgets, leading value-engineering efforts, reviewing designs for constructability, coordinating equipment selections, and helping position projects for successful execution.

Full mechanical scope experience across HVAC, plumbing, piping, and sheet metalis preferred, although candidates with strong expertise in a single mechanical trade will also be considered.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction efforts on design-build, design-assist, and negotiated projects from concept through final pricing.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, and design-development budgets as project designs evolve.
• Partner with owners, general contractors, architects, and engineers to develop cost-effective mechanical solutions.
• Lead value engineering, system alternatives, and lifecycle cost analysis to align designs with project budgets.
• Review drawings and specifications for constructability, coordination issues, scope gaps, and project risk.
• Coordinate with engineering partners on mechanical system selections, load calculations, and design deliverables.
• Lead early equipment selection and pricing with manufacturers' representatives.
• Collaborate with estimating teams on detailed pricing and with BIM/CAD teams on early coordination and prefabrication planning.
• Develop preconstruction schedules, logistics plans, and procurement strategies for long-lead equipment.
• Prepare and present proposals, budgets, qualifications, and clarifications to clients and project stakeholders.
• Lead turnover meetings and ensure a clear handoff of project scope, budget, assumptions, and key risks to Project Management.
• Develop and maintain relationships with owners, general contractors, engineers, and other industry partners.
• Support business development initiatives, project interviews, and client presentations alongside company leadership.
• Maintain historical cost data, project benchmarks, and preconstruction standards.
• Help identify opportunities to improve estimating, preconstruction, coordination, and project delivery processes.

Requirements

• 5+ years of commercial mechanical experience in preconstruction, estimating, project management, or a related discipline.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and experience will be considered.
• Proven experience with design-build, design-assist, and negotiated project delivery.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, equipment, materials, and construction methods.
• Demonstrated ability to develop accurate conceptual budgets from incomplete or evolving design documents.
• Strong knowledge of value engineering, constructability review, scope development, and project risk analysis.
• Established relationships with general contractors, owners, architects, engineers, or other industry partners are a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and mechanical estimating/takeoff software.
• Familiarity with Revit and BIM coordination is a plus.

Preferred Technology Experience

Experience with AutoBid Mechanical, QuoteSoft, Accubid, On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, Revit, BIM platforms, and Microsoft Excel is preferred.

Benefits

• $120,000–$200,000 base salary, depending on experience and qualifications
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Opportunity to influence complex, high-profile mechanical construction projects from concept through execution
• Strong backlog with an established mechanical contractor
• Professional development opportunities
• Long-term career advancement
• Collaborative culture focused on employee growth and project excellence